The Conservative Heart

HOW TO BUILD A FAIRER, HAPPIER, AND MORE PROSPEROUS AMERICA

FOR TOO LONG, CONSERVATIVES HAVE BEEN A MOVEMENT OF THE HEAD AND NOT THE HEART

Many Americans feel caught between two dispiriting political choices: ineffective compassion on one hand and heartless pragmatism on the other.

Progressives have always presented themselves as champions of the poor and vulnerable. But they have not succeeded — more and more people are hopeless and dependent on government. Meanwhile, conservatives possess the best solutions to the problems of poverty and declining mobility. Yet because they don’t speak in a way that reflects their concern and compassion, many Americans don’t trust them.

Americans know that outmoded redistribution yields poor results and does little for the pursuit of happiness. But there seems to be no conservative alternative that looks out for those struggling to get by.

Now Arthur Brooks, a bestselling author and the president of the American Enterprise Institute offers a bold new vision for conservatism as a movement for happiness, unity, and social justice.

ONLY THE “NEW RIGHT” CAN RESTORE THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS

Brooks, one of the country’s leading policy experts, has considered these issues for decades. Drawing on years of research on the sources of happiness and the conditions of human flourishing, Brooks presents a social justice agenda for a New Right. He extols the four “institutions of meaning” — family, faith, community, and meaningful work; lays out the kind of constructive government safety net that works to lift people up; and designs a policy agenda of true hope through earned success.

It is an inclusive, optimistic movement with a positive agenda.

Brooks argues that it is time for a new kind of conservatism—a conservatism that fights poverty, promotes equal opportunity, and extols spiritual enlightenment. It is an inclusive, optimistic movement with a positive agenda to help people lead happier and more fulfilling lives.

A NEW STRATEGY TO RESTORE OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL

Clear, well-reasoned, accessible, and free of vituperative politics, The Conservative Heart, now on The New York Times Best-Sellers list, is a welcome new strategy for conservatives looking for fresh, actionable ideas—and for politically independent citizens who believe neither side is adequately addressing their needs and concerns.